WEST FAIRLEE – It’s with great sadness that we announce the passing of Douglas Arthur Broadbent, 83, of West Fairlee, VT, who passed away peacefully on March 15, 2025, after a long battle with heart failure.
Doug was born in Norwood, MA, on July 18, 1941, and was a cherished husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, and friend. Although Doug was considered a “flat lander” he was anything but. Doug moved to VT in 1960 when he was eighteen years old after graduating from Henry O. Peabody Culinary School. Doug certainly didn’t mind being a male in an all-girls culinary school. After moving to VT, he worked for Dartmouth College and Dartmouth Outing Club as a chef and later owned his first bakery in West Lebanon, NH and then Doug’s Home Bakery in West Fairlee, VT. Doug was known for his exceptional donuts, sticky buns, rolls, and bread. Doug loved the ocean or lake and he would often talk about the cruises he took with Stacy, Jim, and their boys. Doug was a proud member of the West Fairlee Volunteer Fire Department, always wearing his jacket or t-shirt with the logo, and actively helped with the Chicken BBQ’s ensuring everything was cooked just right. He was a member of the Free Masons and in his earlier days a member of the First Congregational Church.
Doug was a sweet, incredibly special man who was always willing to lend a hand any way he could to absolutely anyone. He would often stop at his son-in-law Jim’s most recent projects to check things out, usually with a broom in hand to sweep up while he had a visit. Doug loved to talk to people, he didn’t care who you were, he treated everyone the same. He will be greatly missed. The world will be a little less bright without him.
Doug is survived by his wife Ann, daughters Stacy Seace (husband James), Kimberly White, grandchildren Hunter, Trevor, Zachary, and Cassandra, his two great grandchildren, Lilith and Hudson, as well as his sisters Barbara Feeley and many cousins.
Doug didn’t want any service held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the West Fairlee Volunteer Fire Department, 927 VT-Route 113, West Fairlee, VT 05083
Arrangements are in the care of Hale Funeral Home, 187 Upper Plain in Bradford.
Those wishing to express online condolences may do so at
www.halefuneralhomes.com